Augustus lay quiet until nearly night.

He then freed himself from the rope and irons, and prepared for his attempt.

A bottle was found in one of the berths, and this he filled with water from the pitcher left by Peters, storing his pockets at the same time with cold potatoes.

To his great joy he also came across a lantern, with a small piece of tallow candle in it.

This he could light at any moment, as he had in his possession a box of phosphorus matches.